Stricter regulations on dogs are under consideration in Hot Springs Village after a 75-year-old resident was killed by a bull mastiff while on her morning walk.

A proposal before the Hot Springs Village Property Owners' Association Board of Directors would require a dog to be kept on a leash throughout the community except on the dog owner's personal property and in a dog park.

Residents have asked for stricter policies following the Nov. 21 death of Joan Kappen, who was attacked by a bull mastiff that had been let out of its house. The animal has since been euthanized and the dog's owner and caretaker face criminal charges.

The Sentinel-Record reported Thursday (http://bit.ly/19fRm8b ) that the board of directors plans to vote by Feb. 19 on the recommendation. If approved, it would have to be approved by quorum courts in Garland and Saline counties to take effect.

The board of directors also recommended penalties for owners who don't register their dogs.

"In our current status, we say 'please,' but in the ordinance, they would have to register their pets or be faced with a fine," said Hot Springs Village Chief Operating Officer David Twiggs.

Village Police Chief Gary Adams said he's not clear how many dogs reside at the community, which is popular with retirees.

"There are a lot of big dogs. If we get the registration requirement in the ordinance and can enforce penalties on the violators, we can get a better handle on it," Adams said.

Adams said the community's two animal control officers are certified and that under an ordinance they would be authorized to assess fines to owners who do not have their dogs registered or vaccinated.